Design, repurposing and organizing ideas to help live in your space beautifully, every day.

By Roxanne Griese

Recently I found a mid century vinyl stool, forgotten and unloved. Once the vinyl was cleaned; I conditioned it with Armor All cleansing wipes. I discovered the vinyl was in pristine condition complete with gold piping. My intention was to recover the stool, quite pleasantly surprised, I left the vinyl cover in original condition. To add a touch of a contemporary feel, I added hammered upholstery tacks round the base for some interesting detail. When thinking of recovering a stool or a throw cushion; look in your closet! A favorite old cashmere sweater, shirt or another piece of clothing can make a sensational new cover full of memories.
I repurposed the stool as a plant stand for a fern from the back deck, making sure the fern was “pet” free and fertilized, it now looks fantastic on a repurposed mid century vinyl stool. It also comes in handy as an extra seat for the grandkids or to rest weary toes.
Recovering is easy! Once, the legs and base are removed, use a flat head screw driver to pry up the staples, pulling them off with pliers, keep the old cover as a pattern. Cut the new material leaving and inch or so extra, then place the fabric face down and put the stool on top. Simply staple the fabric to the bottom side, I use the 4 corner method around the entire stool, pleat the fabric and stapled evenly; then reassemble the stool.
Quick Tip: Keep Bulldog steel wool and a sanding block on hand, they are perfect for refinishing and light sanding projects. Check the foam and batting when recovering, it may need to be replaced.

Stay tuned… Hopefully some ideas can be used, continuing to live in your space beautifully.

Roxanne Griese is an Artist, decorating and organizing are her passions, to see more articles and artwork visit www.artbyroxanne.ca.

By Rick Millikan 

While Nieuw Amsterdam shipmates cruise homeward across the mid-Atlantic, we investigate Lisbon, fascinating capital of one of Europe’s earliest empires. Nowadays nicknamed the San Francisco of Europe, Lisbon’s Golden Gate, the magnificent Vasco da Gama Bridge spans the Tagus River. Its electric trams climb steep hillsides. And yes, this city also has earthquakes.  Our taxi driver points out a huge statue honoring Marquis de Pompal, who directed reconstruction after its most horrific quake.

From Pompal’s statue, Avenida Libertad’s black and white mosaic walkway leads us under leafy arcades toward bustling downtown. Though many historic structures were devastated in 1755, what was built afterward intrigues us. We pass art nouveau and 18th century baroque buildings, often embellished by tiles displaying mythic animals, angels and traditional Moorish patterns. Entering sunny Rosio Plaza Ornate, we’re surrounded by more wondrously ornate architecture. The train station’s filigreed and fluted ‘Manulene’ façade presents a 16th century Moorish flair.

In Plaza San Pedro, two fountains flank an impressive column topped with the statue of the plaza’s namesake Pedro IV, King of Portugal and First Emperor of Brazil. On one side, Donna Maria II, a 19th century post-classic theatre replaced an earlier inquisition palace. Pastel edifices embrace the other three sides; paved pedestrian-only marble streets fan north, south and to the west where pink-arcaded ministry buildings border Commerico, a third plaza.

Nearby stands a renaissance cathedral that triumphantly withstood Lisbon’s horrific quake. The façade bordering its large portal features a series of angels in prayer. Another survivor, 15th century ‘Casa de Bicos’ sprouts hundreds of stony ‘bicos,’ pyramidal protrusions.

Aboard a trolley, we wind upward through Alfama’s narrow streets to Castle of St. George.  Inside the primary gate, we circle its lower wall viewing its brass cannons and magnificent city panoramas.  Crossing a medieval moat through a second gate, we examine the main fortification and try to imagine how hundreds of soldiers lived in this austere setting.  Well-worn steps lead a lofty series of interwoven ramparts and into impressive outer turrets.

Two archeological sites stretch below these walls: a Moorish settlement and first century Roman administrator’s dwelling. And a former royal palace serves as a museum exhibiting artifacts of the cultures that long occupied this fortified hill.  Pottery chards and tiles reflect their techniques and artistry. Stamps on their earthenware vessels reflect this area’s historic production of olive oil and wine. Descending through a maze of streets, we pass locals, looking like descendants of those ancient Moors.

At the edge of another sunny plaza, Chris spots a small plaque dedicated to the Fado, Portugal’s traditionally acclaimed music.  A sweet melancholic example emanates from a local bar.  Though no expert, I recognize the expressive singer, Amalia Rodriques, beloved fado queen. Interestingly, we also find a garden dedicated to her near our hotel. Our day ends inside a corner pasteleria where we savor traditional vegetable soups and delicious breads filled with salami and roast pork.

The next morning a clattering trolley carries us along the Tagus River to Bellem Tower.  Constructed during the Age of Discovery, this four-story ornate gateway was defensive and ceremonial.  A short stroll away, Monument to Discoveries rises 52-metres above a mosaic world map depicting routes of Portuguese explorers. Aboard its sculpted ship-prow stand statues of prominent royalty, missionaries, cartographers, scientists and explorers; da Gama, Magellan and Cabral flank Henry the Navigator.

Southward, Lisbon’s 1998 World’s Fair site remains largely intact near 17-kilometer Vasco da Gama Bridge. Here the world commemorated 500 years of discovery largely initiated by the Portuguese. So, our delightful investigations conclude with further reflections on Lisbon’s past glory, fascinating culture as well as promising future.

When You Go:

* Holland America ships offer three summer European itineraries and five springtime Caribbean cruises.  Check out the possibilities at: www.hollandamerica.com

by: Keith Richardson

Let me first wish us all a very happy holiday season. Hope you had a memorable year and are looking past current storm clouds to a bright and fulfilling new year.

MacSeniors enables me to discover so many fascinating and wonderful people, most of whom, while acknowledging that aging has its downside, still find ways to keep moving forward with a positive grin. For many, their connection with computers is magical and liberating, to some degree. Surely, plenty of us look at younger people with a degree of envy of their “quickness” with modern hardware, software, and social media, but, truth be told, nearly  as many feel a real sense of accomplishment when browsing the Internet, exchanging emails and photos, Skypeing with family, and more. And most accept that “not knowing how” is a “curable condition”!

We’ve been serving the “over 50 market” for six and half years. It’s gratifying that clients from the “early days” still keep in touch; many are now upgrading their “old” systems and calling back for assistance in making the leap that inevitably occurs when we move from one system to another. They note that it helps to know someone’s available to ease them over the bumpy spots.

Increasingly seniors are experimenting with iPads or other tablets as an alternative to traditional computers. In “tight times,” many are attracted by low priced alternatives that may or may not meet their needs and stand the test of efficiency and wear and tear. How many of us will receive an iPad, Kubo, Fire, or, perhaps, an Apple TV for Christmas?

Sadly, too, some clients left us this year, and we miss them terribly. That they chose to share some of their lives with us was a great honour for which we are humbly grateful.

In keeping with the season I’m keeping this column light. I’d like to share a piece sent in by Tony T of Maple Ridge. It’s a parable via the Internet. Perhaps you’ve seen it already.

It begins: “A few years after I was born, my Dad met a stranger who was new to our small town. From the beginning, Dad was fascinated with this enchanting newcomer and soon invited him to live with our family. The stranger was quickly accepted and was around from then on. 

As I grew up, I never questioned his place in my family. In my young mind, he had a special niche. My parents were complementary instructors: Mom taught me good from evil, and Dad taught me to obey. But the stranger… he was our storyteller. He would keep us spellbound for hours on end with adventures, mysteries and comedies. 

If I wanted to know anything about politics, history or science, he always knew the answers about the past, understood the present and even seemed able to predict the future! He took my family to the first major league ball game. He made me laugh; he made me cry. The stranger never stopped talking, but Dad didn’t seem to mind. 

Sometimes, Mom would get up quietly while the rest of us were shushing each other to listen to what he had to say, and she would go to the kitchen for peace and quiet. (I wonder now if she ever prayed for the stranger to leave.)

Dad ruled our household with certain moral convictions, but the stranger never felt obligated to honour them. Profanity, for example, was not allowed in our home – not from us, our friends or any visitors. Our long time visitor, however, got away with four-letter words that burned my ears and made my dad squirm and my mother blush. My Dad didn’t permit the liberal use of alcohol but the stranger encouraged us to try it on a regular basis. He made cigarettes look cool, cigars manly, and pipes distinguished. He talked freely (much too freely!) about sex. His comments were sometimes blatant, sometimes suggestive, and generally embarrassing.. 

I now know that my early concepts about relationships were influenced strongly by the stranger. Time after time, he opposed the values of my parents, yet he was seldom rebuked… And NEVER asked to leave. 

More than fifty years have passed since the stranger moved in with our family. He has blended right in and is not nearly as fascinating as he was at first. Still, if you could walk into my parents’ den today, you would still find him sitting over in his corner, waiting for someone to listen to him talk and watch him draw his pictures.

Ho,  His name?….

We just call him Mr. ‘TV.’ 

He has a wife now….we call her ‘Miss Computer.’ 

Their first child is “Cell Phone”.

The second was christened “i Pod,” and the 4th is known as  “iPad.”

Finally, if you’re a fan of CBC’s Sunday noon program, The Vinyl Cafe with Stuart McLean, (or lots of other radio shows, whether CBC or not), you might want to look into iTunes Podcasts. Open iTunes, click on the iTunes Store, then near the top of the window, click Podcasts, then in the Search oval (top right) type Vinyl and you should arrive where you need to be. Then click the SUBSCRIBE button. You’ll need an iTunes account, but it’s free to acquire, and the Vinyl Cafe podcast, like many others, is free.

Once you’ve subscribed, you have access to the past 50 of Stuart McLean’s wonderful broadcasts featuring his funny, and often poignant stories of Dave, the owner of a small record store, The Vinyl Cafe, his wife, Morely, their kids Sam and Stephanie and assorted friends and neighbours. If you don’t see yourself or someone you know reflected in some of these heartwarming stories, I’ll be very surprised! (And as a subscriber, each week’s podcast will automatically be added to your iTunes collection.)

McLean, 63, a retired professor of Journalism with a long history with the CBC, possess a superior talent for story writing and telling that should one day be honoured with an Order of Canada medal. You’ll also find some of his material in YouTube.

If you missed it, we can’t urge you enough to listen to his “Remembrance Day” podcast dated November 11, 2011. Another favourite of mine is “Mexican Climbing Mint” from September 10, 2011, with its marvellous O.Henry flavour. There are so many other excellent tales as fellow fans will attest. A caveat, though: once you get started with podcasts, you’ll likely be hooked. As I mentioned, they cost nothing but a little of your time, so “hooked” is probably the wrong word. “Richly rewarded” is more apt.

Again, whatever your religious leanings, have a happy, safe, and loving Christmas season.
Who can possibly argue against “peace and goodwill to all people”?

Article & photos by Lenora A. Hayman.

On a Saturday evening I was strolling along W. Broadway by Toys”R”Us and discovered the First Nation’s Salmon n’Bannock Bistro.

The walls are painted red with lovely paintings by Larry Parenteau Thunder whose father is Cree Indian and mother Carrier Indian. His “Land of Beauty” has a killer whale spy-hopping with the skyline of Vancouver and planes soaring in the background. An aboriginal canoe hangs from the ceiling. The washroom has a gilt-framed mirror adorning the red wall,  a First Nation’s red and black cloth covering a box and a fresh flower in a vase. I wish more local cafes, bistros and bars would provide their customers with such a positive, restroom experience.

On sale are hostess gifts of Last Mountain’s Old Fashioned Saskatoon Jam Type Spread, Spirit Bear organic fair trade coffee, watches with a totem logo, sea salt grinders and ceramic travel mugs with First Nation designs and a twilled Haida hat, a fedora hat and bracelets, all fashioned by Haida artist Todd deVries from western red cedar or yellow cedar bark.

A wine-wall displays wines from Nk’Mip (In-ka-Meep) cellars in Osoyoos, the first aboriginal owned and operated winery in Canada. Also offered is Beaver 100% Natural Soda, a non-energy drink, produced by DD Beverage Co. of BC, containing less sugar than traditional pops, with no caffeine, no colour and no preservatives.

Co-owners Remi Cauldron and Inez Cook have combined the aboriginal cuisine with a French overtone and use local food as much as possible.

I was pleased that server Patricia Soop suggested as an appetizer the Taste for One, comprising of Indian candy (sockeye cured in a brine of maple syrup and demerera sugar and then smoked with apple chips), lox, S Arctic prosciutto of musk ox rolled around asparagus, salmon mousse and a baked bannock, the baking powder type of scone introduced by the Scottish Fur Traders.

I chose, for my main course, the daily special of Surf n’ Turf which was a perfectly cooked, moist,  medium rare 8 oz. bison rib eye with a wild mushroom sauce, 2 spot prawns, potato carrot mash, green beans and corn on the cob.

My Nk’Mip Cellars Riesling with crisp, granny smith apple and citrus notes paired well with both courses.

The home-made apple and blue berry pie with ice-cream a la mode had a nice short pastry covering.

There are daily specials, such as Monday’s salmon mousse appetizer with any entrée over $15 or Wednesday’s $2 off any glass of wine or $10 of any bottle of wine and express lunch specials for $9.95 served with organic greens and sweet potato fries.

Their pan-seared duck breast served with blueberry chutney, vegetables, carrots and parsnip puree, sounded great. Oh well, that’s for another day.

Salmon n’Bannock Bistro. www.salmonandbannock.net 7-1128 W. Broadway, Vancouver  B.C. V5H 1G5Tel: 604-568-8971

All Photos by Lenora A. Hayman

by Keith Richardson

Change of plans for this column from what we promised in October. We can examine the computerization of health care records, book publishing, and financial payments another time. These trends will continue to evolve whether or not we seniors encourage or want them.

Instead, let’s focus on Apple Inc., which last month saw its founder, Steve Jobs, succumb in his long battle with pancreatic cancer. Jobs creative leadership significantly altered modern “computer technology” and the way we think about and use it. Much has been reported about the man and his influence. Bloomberg Business Week magazine issued a special 65 page edition entirely devoted to Jobs, his genius, triumphs, and, yes, his peccadilloes. Many other mags and papers celebrated his momentous contributions with cover stories. TV and Internet were flooded with tributes. We acknowledged our own debt to Jobs and Apple on our MacSeniors website.

Ironically, Jobs passed away only a day after Apple’s new CEO Tim Cook presented the latest iteration of the iPhone, one of Jobs’ most famous and significant products–to a surprising degree of dissatisfaction from many (though certainly not most) observers. When the iPhone 4S went on sale a little over a week later, however, there were reports that sales were exceeding expectations as some consumers bought it “out of respect for Jobs.” More likely, they just know a good thing when they see it.

The remainder of October was tumultuous for Apple. The unveiling of iOS 5, the new operating system for iPhones, iPads, and iPods, along with the unveiling of iCloud, Apple’s free replacement for its MobileMe online storage and device synchronization, saw the company’s new servers temporarily overloaded. Two days later, as sales of the iPhone went better than expected, many distribution outlets sold out their allotments in minutes and forced eager consumers to put their names on reservation lists. Only a few days later, Apple released its fiscal fourth quarter results–below the expectations of some market analysts–triggering a plunge in its stock value. (At press time, we could only guess what would happen in late October, but we bet, based on informed market commentary–see CNNMoney: “Why Apple’s big miss doesn’t matter”– that the stock rebounded.)

The facts are that Jobs left the company in extremely good shape, financially, operationally, and creatively. It has been reported that he spent the last several months of his life labouring on a four-year plan to ensure the company continues to prosper without him. Tim Cook, Apple’s new CEO, has a sterling reputation for leadership and business smarts. Apple is the clear forerunner in tablets (iPad), a powerful competitor in smart phones (expect rave reviews for the 4S, which we have just upgraded to), and computers (iMac and laptop sales continue to be through the roof). Lion, OS 10.7, has performed up to expectations.

Even with so many changes to adjust to in such a brief time span, Apple users continue to sing the praises of the company that Jobs built and the products it turns out. There’s no reason to expect them to do anything less than shine.

On a personal note, we want to plug Wireless Wave in Lougheed Mall for being able to supply a new iPhone 4S even at the end of launch day. Thanks, Greg! (The Rogers store was a bust.) WW’s service was terrific; we’re happy with our new contract with Fido! Having dealt happily with WW in the past, we shouldn’t have been surprised. Give them some thought if you’re looking for a new smartphone, no matter what the brand.

By Frederick and Christine Cheng, Pharmacists

“Outsmart the Flu”

By Frederick and Christine Cheng, Pharmacists.We take for granted that the cold and flu season will just come and go; that we will get the chills and sniffles for a week and then things will be back to normal.  That is such a grave misconception!  Many people actually become debilitatingly ill, with the older adult population and patients with chronic diseases amongst those at highest risk of complications from the seasonal flu.  Therefore, it is of utmost importance to prepare yourself properly in order to stay healthy this flu season.

What can you do to arm yourself against the flu?  Well, the best habit to get into is to have adequate sleep, regular exercise, minimize stress, drink enough fluids, eat a regular healthy diet, and wash your hands regularly.  Avoiding crowds during the flu season and even wearing a mask in crowded places will also help.  To prevent yourself from spreading germs, it’s always a good idea to sneeze into your elbow or forearm, and to avoid contact with others for 24 hours after your fever subsides (except to see your doctor).  But, guess what the best way to prevent the flu and minimize its severity is?    Getting an annual flu vaccination from your doctor or pharmacist!  In most cases, it will be of no cost to you.  The flu shot is well-tolerated, and will greatly minimize your risk of hospitalization and complications.

If you decide against the flu shot, or if you would like to boost the benefits of the vaccination, there are some viable options out there.  Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist first, though.  An appropriate probiotic helps promote a solid foundation for a healthy immune system.  In preparation for the flu season, a homeopathic regimen of once weekly Thymuline 9CH and Influenzinum 9CH for 5-10 weeks help prepare your body against the flu and can help boost the effects of a flu shot.  Oscillococcinum, which is a homeopathic remedy, and a super-charged echinacea blend called Esberitox works best at the very onset of symptoms.    If you already have some cold- and flu-related respiratory symptoms, such as an irritated throat or sinus, a pair of delicious herbal syrups called Umcka and Sambucus can help get you through your misery.

So, there are many ways to stay healthy this flu season, but whatever method you choose, be sure to discuss it thoroughly with your favourite doctor or pharmacist.

We urge you to get fully prepared for the flu season, and let Jack Frost be the only one nipping at your nose this winter.

(Christine and Fred Cheng are a sister-brother pharmacist team at their unique family-owned and operated Pharmasave in Cloverdale, BC.  They specialize in natural remedies and compounding for both human and veterinarian use.  They would love to hear from you! www.cloverdalepharmasave.com)

By Janet Isherwood

A place for seniors and their families to speak out, share stories and ask questions.

Whether these changes are good or  bad depends in part on how we adapt to them. But, ready or not, here they come.

1. The Post Office

Get ready to imagine a world without the post office. They are so deeply in financial trouble that there is probably no way to sustain it long term. Email, Fed Ex, and UPS have just about wiped out the minimum revenue needed to keep the post office alive. Most of your mail every day is junk mail and bills.

2. The Cheque

Britain is already laying the groundwork to do away with the cheque system by 2018. It costs the financial system billions of dollars a year to process cheques. Plastic cards and online transactions will lead to the eventual demise of the cheque. This plays right into the death of the post office. If you never paid your bills by mail and never received them by mail, the post office would absolutely go out of business.

3. The Newspaper

The younger generation simply doesn’t read the newspaper. They certainly don’t subscribe to a daily delivered print edition. That may go the way of the milkman and the laundry man. As for reading the paper online, get ready to pay for it. The rise in mobile Internet devices and e-readers has caused all the newspaper and magazine publishers to form an alliance. They have met with Apple, Amazon, and the major cell phone companies to develop a model for paid subscription services.

4. The Book

You say you will never give up the physical book that you hold in your hand and turn the literal pages. I said the same thing about downloading music from iTunes. I wanted my hard copy CD. But I quickly changed my mind when I discovered that I could get albums for half the price without ever leaving home to get the latest music. The same thing will happen with books. You can browse a bookstore online and even read a preview chapter before you buy. And the price is less than half that of a real book. And think of the convenience! Once you start flicking your fingers on the screen instead of the book, you find that you are lost in the story, can’t wait to see what happens next, and you forget that you’re holding a gadget instead of a book.

5. The Land Line Telephone

Unless you have a large family and make a lot of local calls, you don’t need it anymore. Most people keep it simply because they’ve always had it. But you are paying double charges for that extra service. All the cell phone companies will let you call customers using the same cell provider for no charge against your minutes.

6. Music

This is one of the saddest parts of the change story. The music industry is dying a slow death. Not just because of illegal downloading. It’s the lack of innovative new music being given a chance to get to the people who would like to hear it. Greed and corruption is the problem. The record labels and the radio conglomerates are simply self-destructing. Over 40% of the music purchased today is “catalogue items,” meaning traditional music that the public is familiar with. Older established artists. This is also true on the live concert circuit. To explore this fascinating and disturbing topic further, check out the book, “Appetite for Self-Destruction” by Steve Knopper, and the video documentary, “Before the Music Dies.”

7. Television

Revenues to the networks are down dramatically. Not just because of the economy. People are watching TV and movies streamed from their computers. And they’re playing games and doing lots of other things that take up the time that used to be spent watching TV. Prime time shows have degenerated down to lower than the lowest common denominator. Cable rates are skyrocketing and commercials run about

every 4 minutes and 30 seconds. I say good riddance to most of it. It’s time for the cable companies to be put out of our misery. Let the people choose what they want to watch online and through Netflix.

8. The “Things” That You Own

Many of the very possessions that we used to own are still in our lives, but we may not actually own them in the future. They may simply reside in “the cloud.” Today your computer has a hard drive and you store your pictures, music, movies, and documents. Your software is on a CD or DVD, and you can always re-install it if need be. But all of that is changing. Apple, Microsoft, and Google are all finishing up their latest “cloud services.” That means that when you turn on a computer; the Internet will be built into the operating system. So, Windows, Google, and the Mac OS will be tied straight into the Internet. If you click an icon, it will open something in the Internet cloud. If you save something, it will be saved to the cloud. And you may pay a monthly subscription fee to the cloud provider. In this virtual world, you can access your music or your books, or your whatever from any laptop or handheld device. That’s the good news. But, will you actually own any of this “stuff” or will it all be able to disappear at any moment in a big “Poof?” Will most of the things in our lives be disposable and whimsical? It makes you want to run to the closet and pull out that photo album, grab a book from the shelf, or open up a CD case and pull out the insert.

9. Privacy

If there ever was a concept that we can look back on nostalgically, it would be privacy. That’s gone. It’s been gone for a long time anyway. There are cameras on the street, in most of the buildings, and even built into your computer and cell phone. But you can be sure that 24/7, “They” know who you are and where you are, right down to the GPS coordinates, and the Google Street View. If you buy something, your habit is put into a zillion profiles, and your ads will change to reflect those habits. “They” will try to get you to buy something else. Again and again.

All we will have left that can’t be changed are “Memories”. And then probably Alzheimer’s will take that away from you too!

Enjoy your month.

I look forward to speaking with you all again next month. Let’s talk, mail your comments to:

cozycornernews@gmail.com

Cozy Corner

P.O. Box 1196

Metrotown RPO

Burnaby B.C.

V5H 4J8

 By Chris & Rick Millikan

Saguenay’s vast region lies within an hour’s flight from Montreal. From our European-style auberge in La Baie, our whirlwind of experiences extraordinaire starts above Saguenay Fjord at Nouvelle-France.

Inside its replicated Huron longhouse, we admire clay pots and gourd vessels, finger plush furs and model ritual masks. Outside, slender saplings form a palisade surrounding gardens of corn, beans and squash; a fish drying rack and meat smoker stand nearby. We’d seen this fascinating setting before in Black Robe, a Canadian movie depicting early Jesuit priests struggling to convert natives to Christianity.

Later seated on rustic church benches, a stern nun describes her harrowing voyage here and nursing duties in the tiny colony. Such actors dressed in 17th century garb re-enact Quebec’s early life. Over at Champlain’s trading post, a buckskinned gent expounds, “Trade furs for tools; eggs for beads, produce for textiles or utensils. Only Christians can barter for muskets!” At the shoreline, a Montagnaise in beaded deerskin dress describes her nomadic life from under a pelt-covered lean-to. Steadily drumming, she tells a haunting legend…her loon calls echoing across the fjord!

A gigantic barn encloses an equestrian extravaganza!  Music soars as ponies and workhorses, once essential to survival in New France, perform choreographed dressage. Colonially dressed riders execute extraordinary acrobatics. A cirque du soleil-style aerialist, comedic bon vivant and show-stealing dog heighten our thrills and earn a standing ovation!

The cafeteria’s regional cuisine pleases our palates, particularly savory oven-simmered tortiere and soupe gourgane, thick with meaty broad beans. In upcoming days, we savor crepes, croissants spread with local cheeses, herbed northern walleye and cheesy poutine. Abundant after July, fresh blueberries create scrumptious pastries, parfaits and tortes.

At Musee du Fjord in La Baie, we bone up on fjord science, including fanciful myths! Across the street soap making and glass blowing studios beckon before returning to our auberge to spruce up. That evening we attend Theatre Palace Arvida and enjoy Quebec Issime, tracing Quebec’s musical history. Far from fluent in French, we immerse ourselves in the power, passion and pizzazz of this sensational revue.

Next morning we board a boat at L’Ans Saint Jean, a pretty village once adorning $1000 bills…and we’re soon immersed in million dollar views along Saguenay Fjord. “Carved during the ice age, THIS is one of the world’s longest fjords…and least known,” announces the captain. “Freshwater fish like trout and smelt and saltwater species like cod, Atlantic redfish and Greenland shark flourish here, along with 410 species of invertebrates.” Basking seals cluster ashore, but alas, no beluga, other whale sightings…or monsters!

In Saguenay National Park we follow the winding shoreline to a huge monolith sheered from the mountain eons ago, now providing a shelter for lectures or picnics. Shaded boardwalks lead us onto tranquil forested trails bordered by surprising saffron-coloured mushrooms. Outside this park, a municipal park displays a Creche collection of twenty life-sized nativity scenes created by Quebec’s artisans.

On another day, we stroll throughout spectacular Jardin Scullion in Alma. The owner transformed abandoned farmland into an Eden of glorious flowers bordered by cultured forests…

Our trip ends in Chicoutimi; the 1899 heritage hotel proves ideal for exploration. A red tourist bus takes us to La Pulperie, now a museum. This historic pulp mill displays captivating exhibits: one reveals the city’s enterprising past and mill workers’ difficult lives; the main gallery features self-taught painter Arthur Villeneuve, whose folk artwork and home vividly detail local life.

Though wishing to bask longer in this beguiling French-Canadian culture, we bid au revoir carrying back warm memories…and boxes of prized chocolate covered blueberries from Vieux Port’s Farmer’s Market!

Article & photos by Lenora A. Hayman

The food, music, lectures, films and arts provided  a busy Labour Day weekend 3-5 Sept. 2011 at the 22nd annual TELUS TAIWANfest 2011.

Along the 600-800 blocks of Granville St. happy families were seated at round tables set with the traditional, red-flowered table cloths, eating Taiwanese and Hakka food, at the Vancouver 125, the first Taiwanese Street Banquet in Vancouver. I tried a giant octopus ball, a rice cake filled with cabbage, quail egg, shrimp, onion, ginger and corn together with a refreshing mango, green tea and milk drink.

After Chef Hung, a 3-time champion of Taiwan’s Beef Noodle contest, had completed his demonstration, the waiting in the long line-up was worthwhile to try his winning recipe.

The Jing Si Tea Ceremony was poured harmoniously by Josephine Lee of the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation, inaugurated by the Buddhist nun Dharma Master Cheng Yen. Jing Si means “contemplating in a peaceful way”. Master Cheng Yen encourages us “to harbour good thoughts, speak good words and do good deeds” This wonderful group has voluntarily provided assistance to the tornado survivors in the USA, Haiti earthquake and Japanese tsunami. At the festival they were manning the different recycling boxes.

At the Chinese Medical Consultation Tent, I learned that those with liver dysfunction are more vulnerable to declining eyesight and not to assume that decline in vision is an unavoidable part of aging!

Prof. Jolan Hsieh, Ph.D is an Associate Professor at the College of Indigenous Studies at the National Dong Hwa University, having received her Ph.D in Justice Studies at Arizona State University, USA. Prof. Hsieh, gave an excellent seminar on (De) Constructing Indigenous Stereotypes in Taiwan.  Prof. Hsieh is a member of the Tainan County coastal region Ping Pu Siraya  group, one of the 14 recognized Taiwanese Indigenous Aboriginal or First Nation tribes. Other Taiwan Indigenous people live in the mountain areas. There maybe 20 non-recognized and unidentified aboriginal groups remaining in Taiwan. The  Taiwan Aboriginals are not Asian and some believe they are Austronesian related to those living in Southeast Asia, the Philippines and Oceania(Micronesia, Melanesia and Polynesia). Others believe that Taiwan is the original homeland of all Austronesians. There are now assigned, Indigenous seats in the Taiwanese National Legislature.

At the Roundhouse were creative displays from the New Taipei City Yingge Ceramics Museum, Taiwan’s first ceramic theme museum. The Danyon Studio had a quaint, giraffe ceramic set and the Excellence Collection, a ceramic stapler embossed with the national flower, the plum blossom, which only blooms in the winter. For 38 years the Shin Tai Yuan International Development Co, Ltd. has been in the business of ceramic glass transfer, printing and blending art into life. It is one of the suppliers of Disney and Starbucks. Their Red Flower series of coffee mugs, coasters and plates on display were one of Taiwan’s top 10 souvenirs.

The TELUS Main Stage, in front of the Art Gallery was constantly busy with film and live acts.

Ming Cheng Huang aka “Mr.Candle’, a circus artist, has taken photos of himself, handstanding and handwalking around Taiwan on roof tops and cliffs and now Niagara Falls and in Vancouver. He showed us how to train a talent into a job, by following a dream, having a life of his own choosing and bringing attention to our environment.

The glamorous and talented Taiwan Rising Musou Girls’ Band played instruments such as liuqin, yangqin, xiaoruan, zhongrun, pipa, erhu, cello and percussion fusing east and west music.

The Guardians of Taiwan with faces half-painted with bright tattoos, focused on combining Taiwanese Folk with Rock and Roll.

This was followed by the Techno Prince- a dance parade of 3rd Prince Li Nezha (a Shang Dynasty 1766BC -1050BC Deity in mythology) in the form of a young man with a huge head mask, fighting demons to protect people at temple carnivals. Children and adults joined him in a modern, pop-culture dance to the tempos of electronic music.

On Sunday evening, an Olympic-size crowd swayed to the Alternative Taiwanese Rock Band called Champion Della Ding, a beautiful, young, China-born, Taiwan-based star, backed by the Magic Power band had the young folk, screaming with delight, when she sang Lady Gaga’s “Telephone” in English.

All the well-behaved crowd was still on a high as they safely, rushed home.

All photos by Lenora A. Hayman.

by Keith Richardson

Thanks to Keith W-B for his feedback on last month’s missive on phone scammers. He offered a tidbit I’m looking into that might provide some satisfaction to the offended…. More later if we can verify it. If you know what I’m alluding to, please get in touch.

How often do we look back on how much the intrusion of computers and related technology has changed our world over the last 20 years and the past decade in particular? The Internet stands out, but it’s only part of the total package exploding around us. Digital cameras, smart phones, tablets (computers), talking blood sugar monitors: what’s next? And note that in this column I’m not even daring to cast a sideways glance at Facebook and Twitter and other social media!

TechRepublic.com is an useful website for all kinds of computer-related info and advice to IT specialists (It’s fun for us end users to see what these pros think of us!). Last month TR featured a report by Jason Hiner entitled “Four industries about to be transformed by the Internet.” Its thrust is that over the “15 years since the Internet began revolutionizing modern life — from how we find information to how we communicate with other people to how we consume news to to how we buy books and music to how we find a compatible life partner— the Internet has completely upended entire industries, killing off or reducing many of the existing power brokers, removing the middle men, and ushering in new leaders — the digital powerhouses of the 21st century.”

Hiner identifies four industries he believes “are destined to be caught in the eye of the storm [of change]”: movies, healthcare, book publishing, and financial payments.”

How much are we seniors going to be affected in these areas? First, there’s no guarantee that the changes Hiner foresees will happen as soon as or in the ways he lays out. Second, it’s conceivable that many of us may choose to work around them, just like those who refuse to use a credit card online or to own a cell phone or even to move up from high speed LItE (with its silent “t”) Internet to true High Speed. Does anyone still use dial-up? (There are a handful of us who still don’t understand what this paragraph is about—just as our grandkids don’t, but for different reasons.)

But some seniors will be urging the powers that be to get on with it before we “slip the surly bonds of Earth”! My wife frequently remarks how glad she is to live in the age of the Internet and to be able to immerse herself in modern music in ways not possible with radio and TV.  On the other hand, I look forward to being able to watch new movies on my large screen HDTV instead of being having my ear drums assaulted just before the feature movie begins (No more screaming at the top of my lungs just for the sheer irony of it, because no one can hear me anyway, “TURN IT UP!”) No more paying a king’s ransom for  a bag of popcorn and a drink. At home, I can sit in comfort and view, listen, eat and drink the way I want to.

But I can’t watch the latest releases at home when they first pop up in the theatre. Not yet, anyway. Hiner claims that’s “likely to change soon. Hollywood is experimenting with the idea of selling movies directly to consumers at home (streamed over the Internet) at the same time the movies arrive in theatres. Of course, studios will charge a higher fee (possibly $30).”

“There is definitely consumer demand for direct delivery. Thirty dollars may be too high, but this will happen eventually, and will likely result in more people watching movies from home than traveling to a theatre. Theatres won’t go away, but they will likely decrease in number and turn into much more of a premium experience.”

Combined with the decline of DVDs as BlockBuster and Rogers Video outlets are dismantled, does this mean we’ll all subscribe to Netflix or iTunes or Shaw-on-demand or OptikTV? Who knows? I doubt it. We may not have even imagined the system and format of delivery. I’ll bet, however, that five and ten years from now, our grandkids will look back on our present concerns with the same bemusement as those who can’t remember five or six years ago when most of us still hadn’t heard or watched an iPod and the iPad had yet to be invented.

Many of us will prefer the new ways of enjoying current flicks over “what we had way back then.”

More on the other three industries next month. If you don’t want to wait, give TechRepublic.com a look. Check out Five future technologies I can’t wait for, which, with suggested possible implementation timeframes, examines wireless docking of mobile devices, inexpensive mobile broadband everywhere, three dimensional printing, HTML5 to make the web an app, and flexible OLED displays (your computer as thin as plastic wrap!).